Keyamo: CTC Offers Investors Insights into Africa’s Legal Reliability and Market Stability

According to Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Cape Town Convention (CTC) offers investors and financiers a glimmer of hope that African legal systems are trustworthy with stable markets and that governments are dedicated to best practices in aviation asset management and protection.

Additionally, the issuance of a Federal High Court Practice Direction to direct Nigeria’s application of the Cape Town Convention in 2024 resulted in a notable improvement in the country’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index, rising from 49 percent to 75.5 percent in just one year, placing Nigeria among the high-compliance nations worldwide “and demonstrated our government’s commitment to the rule of law and to transparency in aviation transactions,” according to Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA.

At the 2025 Africa-Wide Cape Town Convention (CTC) Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the two gave speeches.

The minister, who was represented by Mrs. Anastasia Gbem of the NCAA, stated that 28 African nations have ratified the Convention, indicating a continental recognition that the CTC is not only a legal instrument but also a catalyst for aviation growth, economic transformation, and connectivity throughout Africa. The minister pointed out that for Africa, where the cost of capital continues to be one of the most significant barriers to fleet expansion and maintenance, the CTC presents a beacon of signals to investors.

Regarding Nigeria’s dedication and advancement, Keyamo stated that the nation’s aviation industry is still developing with an unwavering determination to conform to international norms.

“With the signing and implementation of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) procedure and Practice Direction, Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance score increased from 70.5% to 75.5%.

“This enhancement demonstrates our government’s steadfast dedication to putting the Convention into practice and in its entirety.” With this accomplishment, Nigeria solidifies its position as a regional leader in aviation law reform and financing, indicating to investors, financiers, and lessors that Nigeria is willing to do business on terms that are recognized throughout the world.

In order to realize the full potential of the CTC, he advocated for regional cooperation.

“We acknowledge that no nation progresses in isolation, even as we applaud Nigeria’s accomplishments. Only until African governments embrace the ideals of the Cape Town Convention, standardize its implementation, and make sure that national legal systems support its effective operation will it reach its full potential. This incident is crucial because of this.

“You will interact with specialists over the course of the next two days who will impart knowledge derived from international best practices on declarations, national law alignment, the functions of courts and civil aviation authorities, and the significance of uniformity in interpretation and enforcement.”

The minister emphasized that these talks will improve continental cohesion in addition to strengthening individual national systems, giving Africa a powerful voice in the global aviation financing ecosystem.

“Our objective must gradually go beyond compliance to optimization, using the CTC as a tool for sustainable aviation growth.”

Keyamo, for example, said that the Convention’s adoption should directly result in reduced financing costs for African airlines, easier access to contemporary aircraft and equipment, increased investor confidence, and improved operational efficiency and safety.

He stated that in order to accomplish this, industry players must maintain transparency and ethical financial practices, and governments must make sure that duties are consistently enforced and stakeholders are educated.

He praised the AWG and AFCAC for their ongoing collaboration in assisting African nations in their pursuit of complete and successful CTC implementation.

Speaking through Mr. Spiff Donald, the NCAA DG stated that Nigeria views the CTC as both a legal requirement and a means of advancement.

“The Convention is the cornerstone of our plan to draw in investment, foster investor trust, and harmonize our aviation legal framework with international norms.

There is more to this progress than just numbers. In order to offer financiers and operators the confidence to conduct business in Nigeria, it is necessary to create a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly climate.

Additionally, it reflects the attitude of cooperation that permeates our aviation industry. I have to thank all of our partners for their commitment to reaching these milestones, including the Ministry, courts, airlines, and legal community.

“We must acknowledge that there is still work to be done even as we celebrate progress. The complete and efficient application of the Cape Town Convention is what gives it its actual worth. Coordination between legislators, industry players, and regulators is necessary for this. Additionally, it necessitates a common understanding of the treaty’s obligations and advantages.

Mr. Jeffrey Wood of the Aviation Working Group expressed gratitude to the participants for their dedication to developing the African aviation ecosystem and assured them that their discussions will be productive, significant, and revolutionary for the continent’s aviation future.

“I’ve never traveled to Nigeria for this assignment before. I’ll talk about the things we’ve done together over the last 25 years, including what you described last year.

However, finding a treaty with a national reality requires critical international thought, and I believe this gathering will do that. People always view things from their own and their country’s point of view, but we should have a broader view.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, NCAA, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and the Aviation Working Group (AWG) collaborated to organize the two-day event. Dr. Kana, the ministry’s permanent secretary, stated that the Cape Town Convention provides Africa with a framework to develop trust, stability, and sustainability in the continent’s aviation ecosystem in addition to a chance to access aircraft at a lower cost.

“Let’s come away from this gathering with a renewed resolve to improve compliance, fortify our institutions, and make sure that the advantages of this convention transfer into actual economic progress for our countries and people.

“Nigeria is prepared to keep leading, learning, and collaborating in the common goal of an integrated, competitive, forward-thinking African aviation ecosystem. As stated, Nigeria is prepared for business, and it is our duty as a government to guarantee that the aviation sector continues to be our continental dream.